Hamas to free 34 hostages if Israel withdraws from Gaza, agrees to permanent ceasefire
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As Hamas expressed its willingness to free 34 hostages under its custody in a ceasefire deal with Israel, the first phase of the prisoner exchange deal is expected to swap women, children, the elderly, and sick individuals currently held in Gaza.
While Hamas has approved the release, the terms of a broader ceasefire deal hinge on Israel's agreement to a permanent ceasefire and its withdrawal from Gaza. As of Sunday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that Hamas had not yet provided a list of the captives designated for release.
Negotiations between the two sides are ongoing in Qatar, with the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden playing a key role in mediating the talks. There is a sense of urgency, with hopes for a resolution before Donald Trump assumes office on January 20, 2025.
However, significant differences remain between Hamas and Israel, and the outcome now largely depends on decisions made by Israeli leadership.
The political pressure is also heightened by recent statements from Trump, who warned that failure to secure a ceasefire by the time he takes office could lead to severe consequences, potentially targeting Hamas.
This adds an extra layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations, as Hamas seeks clear commitments from Israel, particularly regarding its withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military continued airstrikes over Gaza, reportedly targeting over 100 sites in the enclave, including facilities linked to Hamas. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, with Gaza health officials reporting that more than 100 Palestinians were killed in the latest strikes, including several civilians.
Since the beginning of Israel’s military response in October 2023, more than 45,800 Palestinians have been killed.